After 30 years of service, Mary Stephens is saying goodbye to West Manatee Fire Rescue.
Stephens, who began her fire career as the secretary for the all-volunteer firefighters in the Anna Maria Fire Department, has seen local fire service transition to a professional department and a merger that formed WMFR in 2000.
“There have been a lot of changes over the years,” Stephens said. “It’s nice to see it grow and expand.”
Stephens moved to Holmes Beach from Ohio with her husband, Dan, after both her parents and in-laws retired to the area.
She attributes both her career and her husband’s fire service to the Holmes family, who steered Stephens to her job with the department and encouraged Dan to become a volunteer. Dan’s volunteerism transitioned into a career as a firefighter with the Cedar Hammock Fire District. He retired in 2010 after 23 years.
Now that she’s retired, Mary Stephens said she’s planning to spend time with her family, her husband and working on some personal projects.
“I’m looking forward to a lot of things,” Stephens said. “It’s a little puzzling and exciting to see what it will feel like to have my own schedule.”
According to Stephens, her first priority is her family. “Travel and hobbies will come later,” she said. “I have a huge bucket list.”
Stephens said she does plan to come back to the district to participate in events and remain active in the community of firefighters.
“There’s an enormous amount of pride belonging to an organization like this,” she said. “It’s very gratifying.”
WMFR honored Stephens Jan. 6 during a ceremony where she was presented with a 30-year career service award.
Chief Tom Sousa said Stephens had been in fire service almost 30 years to the day and she would be greatly missed.
“Mary knows everything,” he said.
Former Chief Andy Price attended the ceremony, where he also thanked Stephens for her service and welcomed her to the ranks of the retired. “Join the club,” he said to Stephens. “Retirement is wonderful.”
Stephens officially retired Jan. 7. “I don’t want to answer a phone,” she joked.
Now that she has more free time on her hands, Stephens said she’s exhilarated. “I want it all. I want to do everything.”
— Kristin Swain
